“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

             I am always so surprised when God uses me or works through me. I am also amazed when He takes this extremely weak vessel and by His power makes it useful for His kingdom purposes. Everything about me is weak and broken, and yet God pours His power and strength into me so that I can accomplish His work. His Word says that we can do “all things” not because we are able to do so on our own strength, but because He gives us His strength.

            Yesterday, after our church Christmas Musical rehearsal, I started thinking about who I used to be compared to who I am today. I’ve never been someone who is extremely comfortable speaking in front of people, or doing anything in front of large groups of people for that matter. And yet, deep inside of me, God has placed a strong desire to worship Him through the creative arts and that involves a lot of “up front” kind of stuff. When I’m at home by myself, I love to play my worship music and sing out loud, dance around the room (when my head’s not spinning) and I also love to be a part of leading others into genuine worship of our Lord. When I am doing this, I am truly joyful and feel great fulfillment. Many years ago I would have never taken the risk of putting myself out in front of people in these kinds of roles. In fact, I was pretty afraid of trying anything new or challenging. But God placed some dear, encouraging friends around me who pushed me out of my comfort zone and loved me closer toward who God made me to be. They believed in God’s power in me.

            Well, I’m still not that comfortable standing up in front of lots of people, but, a long time ago, I learned that if I just take the first step out onto the water, God will part the sea. If I just make myself available to Him with a willing heart, He will do the rest. It is a powerful, wonderful feeling to see God work in and through us. Every time He works like this, it reminds me of just how gracious He is to allow us to be His hands and feet on this earth.

This year, our youngest son and I have major roles in our church musical and we are both being pushed way out of our personal boxes. God promises that He will strengthen us to do His Work, and yesterday, at our first full cast rehearsal, God did just that. We were both pretty nervous, but as we stepped out in faith, He gave us and others everything we needed to remember our lines and to act out our parts. He was faithful and strengthened us. He showed us that if we give ourselves to Him, He’ll give us all we need to accomplish His purpose for us. Why am I surprised by that?

            This is not just true in certain situations, like acting in front of large crowds, but in every situation of our lives. God is with us, promising us His power and strength in small things and in the really tough ones. Do I really believe this in my life? Will I believe this when I am nervously standing on that stage in December for our musical? Do I trust Him to strengthen me in the difficult challenges of life? When people hurt me or when someone I love is sick, or struggling, do I trust that He is there and offers the promise of His power? Do I trust Him enough to empower me to tell my neighbor about Jesus? I believe that I do trust Him, but not nearly as much as I should. My desire is to trust God’s goodness, power and wisdom so much that I live my life in a very radical way, not wasting a single moment being too afraid to step out and do the work that He lays out before me.

            I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that up to this point, God has been so faithful. I also know that His Word tells me that I can do all things by His strength and power. Now, the key is to learn to live out what I know and believe. That’s the hard part. I hope that I’m not the same person I used to be. I hope that I am becoming a person who deeply trusts the Lord in any and every situation. I pray that I’ll continue to put my toe in the water, expecting God to part the sea. What is God asking you to do today that might take sticking your toe in the water? Go ahead, get wet. You can trust Him!      

The Holy Bible: English standard version. 2001 (Php 4:13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.